KEVIN Harper has agreed an extended loan deal with Walsall to keep him at Bescot for the rest of the season.

The winger, whose initial month's loan period was due to expire before Sunday's visit to Milton Keynes Dons, is now set to figure in the Saddlers' last eight games.

Resigned to remaining on the periphery at Stoke City, the 31-year-old was always keen to extend his time with the Saddlers and the arrangement suits both club.

With the transfer deadline falling tomorrow, Walsall are expected to reach a similar arrangement with Cardiff City to keep Kevin Cooper for the rest of the campaign.

Cooper's initial month on loan is also up before the Milton Keynes game. But the former Wolves man is very keen to stay and Cardiff

manager Dave Jones has indicated that he would like Cooper to get as much first-team football under his belt as possible, to be well-prepared if the Bluebirds need him later on, possibly for the play-offs.